How Mowing Affects Mushroom Spread In Your Lawn

Mushrooms in the yard are a common occurrence, especially in damp and shaded areas. While they are a sign of a healthy soil system, they can be unsightly and may pose a danger to children and pets. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which grow underground and produce spores to ensure their survival. Mowing over mushrooms can spread these spores, leading to more mushroom growth. Therefore, it is recommended to manually remove mushrooms by plucking, knocking over, or raking them before disposal in sealed bags to prevent further spread.

Mushrooms are part of a healthy ecosystem

Mushrooms are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. While mushrooms growing in your yard may be unsightly, they indicate a healthy soil system. Mushrooms are the fruiting part of the mycelium, which lives underground and can be quite large. The mycelium is a network of microscopic fungal threads that establish extensive underground connections with roots, bacteria, and other fungi. This network is sometimes called the "wood-wide-web".

Mushrooms and fungi play many roles beneficial to the planet and its inhabitants. They are natural decomposers, breaking down organic materials and joining them with the soil. They also help other plants share nutrients and communicate through chemical signals. They improve soil health and fertility, and can even remediate contaminated sites by removing contaminants like petroleum products from the soil. Fungi also sequester carbon and store it in the soil, which helps to alleviate the effects of climate change.

Some mushrooms can be dangerous, so it is recommended to wear gloves when handling them. If you want to remove mushrooms from your yard, you can manually pluck them, or use vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, or commercial fungicides. Mowing over mushrooms can help spread the spores, so it is recommended to clean your mower deck afterward.

Mowing mushrooms spreads spores

Mushrooms are part of an ecosystem of fungi, and the fungi grow above and below the lawn. The mushrooms you see are the fruits of the fungi, and they're designed to produce more mushrooms. Mushrooms have microscopic spores on their gills and under their caps that either blow with the wind or travel with critters who eat them. Mushrooms can even create their own "wind" or airflow to ensure the spores scatter and then germinate in new soil.

Mowing mushrooms can help spread the spores both inside the machine itself and across the surface of the grass. By spreading the spores, you will likely produce more mushrooms. Therefore, it is recommended to manually remove the mushrooms by pulling them out, cutting them with a knife, or breaking them off by hand. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap. If you choose to mow over the mushrooms, be sure to clean your mower deck afterward to avoid reintroducing the fungus.

To make your yard less attractive to mushrooms, you can improve drainage with the help of a lawn aerator. You can also water less frequently and mow your lawn more regularly, as shorter grass dries out more quickly than long grass, reducing the moisture that mushrooms need to grow. If you have any low spots or dips in your lawn, fill them in with topsoil and replant them with grass to discourage puddling water, which can also reduce the number of mushrooms.

While mushrooms can indicate a healthy soil system, they can also make your yard look neglected. Some mushrooms can be dangerous, so it is important to wear gloves when working with them. After removing the mushrooms, be sure to wash your hands and tools, and place the mushrooms in a sealed bag before disposing of them in the trash to prevent the spores from spreading.

Manual removal is recommended

Mushrooms in your yard can be unsightly and even dangerous for children and pets, as some species are poisonous. While mowing your lawn can help remove mushroom heads before they release spores, it can also spread the spores across the grass and inside the machine. Therefore, manual removal is recommended.

To manually remove mushrooms, it is best to wear gloves, as some people have skin that is sensitive to mushroom oils. You can pull them out individually by hand, ensuring you remove as much of the stem as possible to minimise the spread of spores. You can also cut each mushroom with a knife. Place the mushrooms in a bucket or sealed bag and throw them in the trash, not in a compost pile, to prevent the spores from spreading. Wash your hands after handling mushrooms.

If you have a large number of mushrooms, you may want to mow over them, but be sure to pick up the pieces and discard them into a bag immediately. Afterward, clean your mower deck to avoid reintroducing the fungus.

To prevent mushrooms from growing in your yard, you can make your yard less attractive to them by improving drainage with the help of a lawn aerator. You can also water less frequently and mow your lawn regularly, as shorter grass dries out faster than long grass, reducing the moisture that mushrooms need to grow.

Natural removal methods

Mushrooms are part of an ecosystem of fungi, which can grow both above and below the lawn. The mushrooms are the fruits of the fungi, designed to produce more mushrooms. Mushrooms can spoil the appearance of your lawn and cause concern, especially if you have children or pets. While mushrooms indicate a healthy soil system, you may want to remove them. Here are some natural removal methods:

Manually Remove Them

Plucking or digging up mushrooms can be an effective way to prevent future mushroom reproduction. It is important to remove as much of the stem as possible to minimise the spread of spores. Place the mushrooms in a sealed bag and throw them in the trash. This method does not solve the problem, as the mycelium, or underground network of fungus threads, will remain.

Use Natural Fungicides

Natural fungicides like vinegar, baking soda, and neem oil are environmentally friendly options for controlling mushrooms. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle and apply directly to the mushroom caps, being careful to avoid the surrounding grass. You can also use baking soda, which raises the soil's pH and impedes mushroom growth. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a gallon of water and pour the solution over the mushrooms and the surrounding area. Repeat this process every few days until the mushrooms disappear.

Improve Drainage

Mushrooms thrive in moist, shaded areas with organic material. To prevent mushroom growth, improve your lawn's drainage by aerating the soil and adding sand if necessary. Remove any decaying organic matter, such as dead grass, mulched leaves, or other debris, to hinder mushroom growth.

Use Light

Mushrooms grow in areas with poor sunlight. By opening up your lawn to more light, you can create conditions that are less favourable for mushroom growth.

Chemical removal methods

Mushrooms in your yard can be unsightly and may raise concerns for those with children and pets. While mowing your lawn may seem like a quick fix, it can actually help spread the mushroom spores, leading to more mushrooms. To effectively remove mushrooms and prevent their growth, consider the following chemical removal methods:

Vinegar Solution

Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the mushroom caps, being careful to avoid the surrounding grass by covering it with cardboard or plastic. The acidity of vinegar can kill mushrooms, but it can also harm grass and other plants, so caution is advised. Check the treated area in 1-2 days and reapply if needed.

Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda helps raise the soil's pH, which can impede mushroom growth. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a gallon of water. Pour this solution over the mushrooms and the surrounding area. Repeat the application every few days until the mushrooms disappear.

Dish Soap Solution

A dish soap solution can help break down the fungus and remove moisture from the soil. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and apply it directly to the mushrooms. This method can be particularly effective in drying out the yard and removing the damp environment in which mushrooms thrive.

Commercial Fungicides

In addition to the natural solutions mentioned above, commercial fungicides can be used to chemically treat and prevent mushroom growth. However, caution should be exercised when selecting and applying these products, following the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

Remember to always wear gloves when handling mushrooms, as some varieties can be dangerous. Additionally, dispose of the removed mushrooms properly by placing them in a sealed bag and throwing them in the trash to prevent the spread of spores.

Frequently asked questions